Federal government commits $12.5 million to Tk’emlups healing centre

Support services are in place for residential school survivors and their families here.

KAMLOOPS — The federal government has announced it is spending $12.5 million toward the construction of a new healing centre in Tk’emlups te Secwépemc.

Tk’emlups Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, First Nations Health Authority Board Chair Colleen Erickson and Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu were on hand for the announcement at Mocassin Square Garden Thursday (March 23) morning.

“The legacy of residential schools is one that has tried to take our culture, language and identity from us, causing profound damage,” Casimir states. “The healing house will provide culturally appropriate supports that will help to address these long-standing impacts. It will support healing for our Survivors and those impacted by Kamloops Indian Residential School, leading to healthier futures for our children and those not yet born.”

The healing house announcement comes nearly two years after the confirmation of 215 potential burial sites near the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Casimir mentioned during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit in May 2022 that Tk’emlups has wanted to build a healing centre for elders, survivors and intergenerational survivors to have regular access to cultural and mental health supports. Trudeau told survivors then he intended to assist Tk’emlups in creating the healing centre.

Additionally, the government is committing up to $1.5 million to assess the feasibility of possible structural renovations and design upgrades to the former Kamloops Indian Residential School building.

More to come.